Ron Sparks says he'll stay in Alabama governor's race after all

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Press-Register

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks is expected to announce he's staying in the Alabama's Democratic race for governor rather than switching to the 5th Congressional District contest.

Sparks scheduled a news conference at 10 a.m. CST today in Huntsville to announce his decision, but a draft copy of his remarks obtained by The Associated Press says he's in the governor's race to stay.

Some Democrats in Washington had urged Sparks to change races after 5th District Rep. Parker Griffith of Huntsville became a Republican last week.

Read more: http://blog.al.com/live/2009/12/ron_sparks_says_hell_stay_in_a.html

[derby378]

1. Last I heard, there's more possible Democratic challengers

State Representative Marcel Black, State Senator Tom Butler, and three others have apparently expressed interest in fighting for Griffith's seat.

[Freddie Stubbs]

2. Although the district has never elected a Republican, it leans very conservative